By: Taylor Spill (SLA ‘24)
1. Set goals and objectives for every day and for what you want to accomplish.
This is probably easier said than done, but it is likely that you are reading this article feeling swamped with various assignments, due dates, exams, etc. quickly approaching. It is tempting to want to finish everything in a short period of time or put off assignments until the very last minute. The study period gives us a sudden amount of free time that we may not be accustomed to, and it is easy to feel overwhelmed and not know how to budget your time.
However, I find it most effective to plan out my days and make a list of tasks that I want to accomplish. If I have multiple deadlines, I prioritize what is due first; however, try and make progress on other assignments as well. I find it most effective to work on assignments or studying in smaller parts over a longer period of time, that way I am not crunching for time or cramming.
There are many ways to keep track of your goals and set an agenda for the day. One suggestion is utilizing the “Sticky Notes” feature on your laptop and write down everything you need to do and how much you intend on getting done. You can also write it down and keep track of it through an Excel sheet, a planner, a notebook, on your phone, or even keep track in your head. Being able to plan in advance can lighten your work/study load, and it gives you the ability to accomplish small goals on a daily basis.
2. Meal prep to save any hassle of cooking.
This advice will mainly pertain to people living off campus; however, I highly suggest having a variety of healthy snacks and a couple of meals in stock in case you are spending a lot of time in the library or wherever your chosen study destination is. If you are spending a long period of time studying, it is unlikely that you will have the energy to make full-on meals for yourself on a daily basis. Being able to grab something and go from home will help you save time, energy, and even money in the long run.
There are many meals that can be prepared in advance that do not take a long time to prepare and can last you a long time. My go-to options for meals are either a pesto pasta salad with cooked vegetables and mozzarella or a burrito bowl with rice, beans, cheese, lettuce, salsa, and sliced chicken. These meals do not take a lot of skill or labor to make and are easy for me to take to school and reheat or store in the fridge.
When you have the free time, buy ingredients to make several meals in bulk, and get cooking! This will help you stay nourished and also feel less stressed since you don’t have to take the time to cook repeatedly or contemplate spending money on campus food, restaurants, or meal delivery services.
3. Go outside (on a walk or run at the park).
Springtime is one of my favorite times in New Orleans, as it is sunny, warm, and there are tons of flowers and plants in bloom around campus. During finals, it is very easy to get caught up in tasks and want to cram in the library or wherever your chosen indoor study destination is. However, it is just as important to go outside and get some fresh air.
Going outside for fresh air is something incredibly easy to do, and you can stay outside for as long as you desire. Perhaps you can go outside, walk around campus, and look for a new spot to study while looking at the different flowers. Or, you can walk over to Audubon Park, a short jaunt away from campus to unwind and enjoy the scenery.
In general, sunlight can help increase your body’s serotonin levels, which help with boosting mood and increasing focus. It is usually sunny around this time of year, so when the sun is out, take full advantage of it.
4. Sweat away the stress at the gym.
As a full-time Tulane student, membership for the Reily Recreation Center is included as a part of your tuition. This means that if you are a student, you automatically have access to the Reily Recreation Center and other associated facilities such as the natatorium. The recreation center is conveniently located on campus near Brown Field and has an assortment of equipment and machines for every type of fitness goal.
While physical activity has various bodily health benefits, it is also proven to have mental health benefits. Some specific benefits include improving cognitive function, improving mood, and reducing anxiety. Whatever type of exercise you want to do is up to you, but staying active is important, especially in times that are challenging to your mental health and wellbeing. In addition, physical activity can help improve sleep, and rest is crucial during times of heavy workloads.
Check out the Reily Recreation Center and try out some of the machines. If you have questions about machines or equipment, ask the staff at the front desk or a peer using them. There is something for every person of every ability and skill level to partake in at the recreation center. So pencil in 30-45 minutes at the gym and get moving!
5. Make sure you are getting enough sleep.
Sleep is something that is vital and often overlooked. During busy times such as finals, it is very easy to overlook how much sleep your body needs in favor of having more hours in the day to study. However, staying up late to cram and jam can have consequences, both long-term and short-term. Sleep deprivation can cause a weakened immune system, memory issues, problems with concentration/thinking, mood changes, and more.
On average, adults need anywhere between 7 to 9 hours of sleep per night. The first step to making sure you are rested is to try and follow a consistent sleep schedule. For example, you can aim to go to bed/unwind by 11:00 P.M. and prepare to wake up around 8:00 A.M. This gives you roughly 8 hours of sleep and allows you to start your day fairly early.
Sleep quality is also something that matters when it comes to feeling rested. Some general tips for improving sleep include limiting caffeine consumption late in the day, reducing exposure to devices before bed, taking a shower/bath beforehand, and exercising regularly.
6. Be mindful of your caffeine consumption.
I know it may be tempting to want to consume a Redbull or some other form of intense energy drink to keep the momentum going, especially when you have been working or studying for days on end. However, there is such a thing as too much caffeine, and consuming several energy drinks in a short period of time can put you at risk.
Some of the risks that come with consuming too much caffeine include increased heart rate and blood pressure, insomnia, anxiety, or even abdominal pain/discomfort. Admittedly, caffeine is something that can be very beneficial in sustaining energy. The FDA recommends that adults drink 400mg of caffeine or less a day, which is equal to four or five cups of coffee. However, the amount of caffeine in popular energy drinks ranges from 160mg to 315 mg of caffeine on average, so it is important to keep this in mind in case you do decide to consume energy drinks.
If you are not used to consuming caffeine, energy drinks are not the best way to begin. Drinks such as tea offer a healthier alternative to energy drinks, free of sugars and additives with the benefits of caffeine. If you want to stay away from caffeine altogether, some foods that are known to help boost and maintain energy are bananas, apples, strawberries, oranges, fatty fish, yogurt, dark leafy greens, dark chocolate, nuts, seeds, oatmeal, and more.
7. Remember to reward yourself for your hard work.
One thing that I learned from my time abroad is that it is possible for even the busiest of people to effectively balance work and life. Although work-life balance looks different here, it is still something that is crucial to me, as I find it important to focus my energy not only on my work but also on my personal life such as my friends and family. It is not realistic for human beings to be total work-machines, spending 15 hours a day studying or working on assignments. And even if it feels like you haven’t made a dent in your work, rewarding yourself is still important.
Rewarding yourself can look different for everybody. One example might be planning a dinner with friends to celebrate the end of the school year and hard work. This offers you a break and a way to connect with the people in your life. Or perhaps, you can treat yourself to a pastry from your favorite bakery or a coffee from your favorite coffee shop. Whatever you consider to be self-care and a way to unwind and reward yourself is the key to your success.
Times such as finals can feel incredibly isolating, and it is important to remember that you deserve a break and to recognize your own hard work. Try and plan a time in your study period to do something that you enjoy and to reconnect with your life, as work-life balance is a crucial part of being a well-rounded student.
